Lionel Messi forced to leave the Copa America final against Colombia early in tears but Argentina still win

Argentina’s 16th Copa America title and a record-breaking victory over Colombia were secured by Lautaro Martinez’s goal in extra time.
In the second half of a game that was delayed by over an hour due to crowd issues, Argentina’s Lionel Messi sustained an injury that caused him to shed tears. However, Martinez emerged from the bench in the extra half hour to guarantee that his captain would win his third major trophy in a succession.

Miami’s victory succeeded the 2021 Copa America and the 2022 World Cup victories.

The match commenced an hour and 20 minutes after the gates were closed by security at the Hard Rock Stadium, one of the venues for the 2026 World Cup, after fans attempted to access the stadium without tickets.

Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez had an early opportunity for the defending champions when the match commenced. However, Colombia made a livelier start, with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz forcing an early save from Camilo Vargas and Jhon Cordoba striking a post.

Alvarez inadvertently obstructed an attempt from Messi, who appeared to have sustained an ankle injury prior to the break. Messi was able to deliver a free kick, which Nicolas Tagliafico failed to connect with.

Despite both teams experiencing periods of possession in the second half, neither was able to establish a definitive lead. Angel di Maria, in his final international appearance, necessitated a few saves from Vargas.

Messi suffered another injury shortly after the hour mark and was unable to continue. He limped off to the sideline, where he watched in tears.

His successor Nicolas Gonzalez had a few opportunities, but Di Maria was unable to align his feet in order to take a shot after Colombia conceded too easily.

Gonzalez had the most promising opportunity of the initial period of extra time; however, he was unable to capitalise on it by shooting directly at Vargas as a result of Rodrigo De Paul’s cutback.

Lisandro Martinez executed an exceptional block on Miguel Borja as time expired, and Argentina secured the lead in a matter of seconds.

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De Paul acquired the ball near the halfway line, where he connected with Lautaro Martinez, who exchanged passes with his fellow substitute Giovani Lo Celso. The tournament’s top scorer made no mistake with an unobstructed view of Vargas’s goal, ending Colombia’s streak of 28 unbeaten games.

Di Maria stated that he had aspirations of retiring from international football by winning the Copa America.

The trophy was lifted by the retiring former Manchester United player, who was accompanied by captain Messi and veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi.

Di Maria stated, “The reality is, it is difficult to articulate.” “That is the manner in which it was composed.”

“I informed the men at dinner last night that I had dreamed about it.” That is why I declared it to be my final Copa America. I had a dream in which we reached the final and emerged victorious, allowing me to depart in this manner.

“I will forever be indebted to this generation for providing me with everything, enabling me to achieve my aspirations, and today, I am departing in this manner.” It could not be more ideal.”

Argentina successfully defended their Copa America title subsequent to their 2022 World Cup victory, thereby completing a hat-trick of significant trophies.

Di Maria expressed his gratitude to his captain, Messi, for the victory.

“Finally today we were able to win for him, to give him joy,” according to Di Maria.

Emiliano Martinez of Argentina was recognised as the tournament’s top custodian, while James Rodriguez of Colombia was named the tournament’s top player.